Follow the list of NFL awards and one would think Broncos guard Louis Vasquez was an overnight sensation.

A starter in each of his first four NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Vasquez never received a Pro Bowl berth. Even when so many guards bowed out and former Bronco Zane Beadles was chosen as a sixth alternate, Vasquez never got a mention.

Know why? Because crossing guards get more attention than right guards.

"I thought my last two years in San Diego were the best two years I had there," Vasquez said Monday after the Broncos' organized team activity practice and weight- lifting session. "For me to say I deserved it, that's not my place. I did have a few coaches or players acknowledge there should have been something, but all I can do is worry about my play."

Vasquez became a free agent in March 2013 and the Broncos signed him to a four-year contract that paid him $7 million last season. He will collect $6 million this season.

Suddenly, people paid attention. A guard who gets that kind of money must be good. Then Vasquez anchored an offensive line that helped quarterback Peyton Manning and the Broncos set an NFL season scoring record with 606 points.

Vasquez not only made his first Pro Bowl team, he and Manning were the only Denver players who were first-team all-pro selections.

"I think Louis is the best offensive guard in the league," said Broncos defensive tackle Derek Wolfe.

In 2012, his last year with the Chargers, Vasquez was called for zero penalties. In 2013, his first with the Broncos, Vasquez allowed zero sacks.

"His sensor — he doesn't really give you a direction to take," Wolfe said. "You have to take what you want. He doesn't give you anything. You have to take it from him."

Good luck there. Vasquez is 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds. Imagine a guy that imposing on a dog sled or snowmobile, which is where the Texas-raised Vasquez could be found during a spring break family vacation to Breckenridge.

"First time my parents got to experience the mountains," he said. "First time I got to experience it."

The new and unusual continued during the Broncos' offseason as Vasquez's right-side blocking partner, Orlando Franklin, was shifted from tackle to left guard. Chris Clark was the right tackle last week, while Winston Justice is getting reps there this week.

"Right tackle is the offensive center position of a year ago," said coach John Fox. "We like our options. They will all get opportunities and we will see what our best configuration is."

Whoever wins the starting job at right tackle will have the benefit of playing next to an all-pro. Guards are people too, and life has been good for Vasquez now that he has received some recognition. There have been speaking engagements, charity work, a paid appearance or two.

"Nothing crazy, but there's definitely been more opportunities off the field," he said. "Things that weren't available to me before."

Rockies are on pace to lose 93 games this seasonThe Rockies lost three of four in St. Louis and are on pace to lose 93 games as they come home for a three-game series with Seattle before going back on the road again to face Washington.